HOLIDAYS AND TRUCK DRIVING PROHIBITED

In Europe there are different driving bans for trucks, depending on the country and the specific situation. A common driving ban is the weekend ban, whereby trucks are not allowed to drive at certain times during the weekend. In some countries, this ban only applies on Sundays, while in others it applies on Saturdays and Sundays. Another common driving ban is the night ban, whereby trucks are not allowed to drive at night at certain times. This ban is intended to increase road safety and reduce noise nuisance for local residents.

It is important to be aware of the driving bans in the countries you are driving through to avoid fines and delays. It is also important to know that on some days there are exceptions for certain types of freight transport. For example, in some countries there are special rules for the transport of fresh products, such as fruit and vegetables, during the driving ban.

That is why it is advisable to check carefully before departure which driving bans apply in the countries you are driving through and which exceptions may apply for the transport of specific goods so that you are not faced with any surprises. It is important to respect these driving bans to avoid fines and ensure road safety. Common driving bans in countries where we drive can be found below:

  • Belgium: There are no driving bans on Sundays and public holidays
  • Germany: On Sundays and public holidays there are different driving bans in Germany, this differs per region on a public holiday. There is also an annual holiday driving ban for trucks with a maximum permitted mass of more than 7,5 tonnes. In the period from 1 July to 31 August, it is not permitted to drive on certain (sections of) motorways from 07:00 to 20:00.
  • Luxembourg: There is a driving ban on all Sundays and public holidays for transit transport to Germany (Saturday 23:30 to Sunday 21:45) and France (Saturday 21:30 to Sunday 21:45) for trucks with a maximum permissible mass of more than 7,5 tons. Locally there is no driving ban. 
  • France: There is a driving ban for trucks with a maximum permitted mass of more than 7,5 tonnes on Saturday 22:00 PM to Sunday 22:00 PM. There is also a driving ban on the day before a public holiday from 22:00 PM to 22:00 PM on the public holiday.
  • The Netherlands: There are no driving bans on Sundays and public holidays

April 2023

In Europe there are several driving bans for trucks during the month of April. This is mainly due to the Easter holidays. For example, there is a driving ban for trucks on Good Friday and Easter Monday in many countries. Below you will find an overview of the most important driving bans:

 

Thursday 6 April 2023 Luxembourg 23:30-24:00 towards Germany
Friday 7 April 2023 Germany 00:00-24:00 (public holiday)
Good Friday Luxembourg 00:00-22:00 (holiday
Switzerland 00:00-24:00 (public holiday)
Monday April 10 2023 Germany 00:00-22:00 (public holiday)
Easter Monday France 00:00-22:00 (public holiday)
Luxembourg 00:00-21:45 (towards Germany and France)
Austria 00:00-22:00 (public holiday)
Switzerland 00:00-24:00 (public holiday)
Sunday 30 April 2023 Luxembourg 23:30-24:00 (towards Germany – public holiday)
Day before May 1 Luxembourg 21:30-24:00 (towards France – public holiday)